The Otago University School of Surveying did a recent resurvey of the height of the subject mountain. Interesting mix of techniques including direct placement of GPS receivers on the mountain. Read about it at the link below. Be sure to watch the beautiful YouTube video. I've been to NZ twice. Both times the mountain was obscured by clouds. Maybe time for a third visit?
http://www.otago.ac.nz/surveying/research/otago061558.html
Aoraki
The local name for the mountain is Aoraki
The direct translation is 'Cloud Piercer'
Ao = cloud and Raki = puncture or hole
The guys that lugged the GPS up there did a great job - its rather steep...
An anorak is either a rain coat or a geeky obsessive person who has a strong interest in niche subjects aka "train spotter" - the sort of chap who corrects internet postings 🙂 - refer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anorak_%28slang%29
Mike, if you do make it back it would be great to meet up with you, or with any Beer Legger to come this way
Aoraki
Blasted spell check.
My last visit in 2009 included a day with Professor Hannah at Otago. They have an excellent program. Impressive work being done in geoid modeling by Prof Tenzer. I spent a month visiting both islands. Enjoyed the visit. Planned to visit during the Rugby World Cup but life intervened.
Should have noticed the error.
Kia Ora,
DMM